"if you have a mind and body you can do yoga"

"Accessible Yoga believes that all people, regardless of ability or background, deserve equal access to the ancient teachings of yoga, which offer individual empowerment and spiritual awakening. By building a strong network and advocating for a diverse Yoga culture that is inclusive and welcoming, we are sharing Yoga with all." -Accessibleyoga.org 

Accessible Yoga isn't a "style" of yoga, instead it is a way of teaching/practicing that intentionally works towards eliminating the barriers that exclude so many.  I use a trauma informed approach that meets people where they are and encourages each person to practice in whatever way is accessible to them. Accessible Yoga may seem like a niche audience, but it's actually the opposite! As stated in the Accessible Yoga Mission Statement the goal is to, "share the benefits of Yoga with anyone, who currently doesn’t have access to yoga practices, especially communities that have been excluded or underserved. These communities may include people of all shapes, sizes or colors. They include people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, or invisible disabilities such as chronic illness, emotional challenge or PTSD.  They include people with vision or hearing impairments, canes, walkers and wheelchairs. They are young, middle-aged and senior. They live in homes, juvenile halls, jails, or on the street. Our goal is to make any of these people feel welcome in a yoga class, so they can experience the benefits of yoga." We are all individuals who inhabit our own unique bodies and our bodies are subject to change!  Practicing Accessible Yoga is a way to connect with your whole self: body+mind+spirit.  Yoga is a resource that provides so many benefits and accessibility is an issue that truly effects every body at some point in their life.  We are all aging and we are subject to temporary or persisting physical and emotional injuries. Embrace a yoga practice that is able to adapt to your needs and your circumstances, practice accessible yoga!